EAST AFRICA – Preparations for the highly anticipated 3rd Edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari are in full swing, with the Afrika Mashariki Fest organizing team undertaking a significant reconnaissance exercise across the East African region. The pilgrimage, scheduled for October 2026, aims to honor the enduring legacy and values of the East African Community's (EAC) founding fathers under the theme: "Espousing the Enduring Legacy and Values of Our Jumuiya Founding Fathers: a Call for Enhanced Efforts Towards a Politically Federated EAC."
Led by Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo, the delegation has been traversing the region, visiting the ancestral homes and resting grounds of the region's independence heroes to engage with families and local leadership ahead of the main October event.
The reconnaissance team's journey began in Butiama, Mara Region, Tanzania, at the home of the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the revered Father of the Tanzanian Nation. The delegation was warmly received by Ndugu Madaraka Nyerere, a family representative, who expressed support for the initiative to keep the memory and ideals of the founding fathers alive.
From Tanzania, the team crossed into Uganda, visiting Akokoro in Apac District, the ancestral home of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Uganda's first Prime Minister and second President. The delegation engaged with family members and was received by Ndugu Jimmy Akena, UPC leader , who lauded the efforts of the youth in fostering regional unity and preserving the historical legacy of the region's leaders.
This afternoon, the delegation arrived at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, Kenya—the home of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice-President and a towering figure in the country's independence struggle. The team hopes to meet Mama Ida Odinga and Hon. Winnie Odinga to discuss the pilgrimage and seek blessings for the October event.
Following their engagements in Siaya, the team will proceed to the National Assembly of Kenya in Nairobi before heading to Ichaweri in Gatundu, Kiambu County, to visit the home of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's founding President and another pillar of the East African liberation movement.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo emphasized the importance of the pilgrimage as more than just a commemorative event. He described it as a call to action for the youth of East Africa and the continent at large.
"Our message to fellow youths of East Africa and Africa generally is simple," Dr. Kisembo stated. "We are simply reminding ourselves that these Wazee are worth remembering as we reflect, network, and take stock of the EAC Dream. All gave some, some gave all. We may not know them all, but we owe them all. Therefore, remembering them is noble."
The Afrika Mashariki Fest team continues to call on leaders, including Excellencies President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President William Ruto of Kenya, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, to support the youth-led initiative as the region pushes for deeper integration and a politically federated East African Community.
The Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari 2026 promises to be a historic gathering, rekindling the spirit of Pan-Africanism and solidarity that defined the region's struggle for independence and continues to guide its quest for unity.
